Some of Thompson’s local businesses have banded together to donate $12,000 to the Canadian Red Cross for Fort McMurray relief efforts.
The northern Alberta town that has been ravaged by wildfire since the beginning of May has seen the evacuation of over 80,000 citizens to neighbouring communities and the fire has grown to a size of 229,000 hectares -- twice the size of Calgary.
The donation was part of the Ducks Unlimited banquet, which featured a live auction. Banquet Chair Liz Kozakowski has the details on how part of the auction would benefit the people of Fort Mac.
“Our rep got a communication Friday evening during our event that the last live auction item, whatever that item brought in, is money Ducks Unlimited would donate to Red Cross for Fort McMurray.”
The winning bidder was Jimmy Pelk from Twin Motors, who turned the auction into a call-to-action for businesses in attendance to match his $1,500 donation. His reason for doing so was simple.
“It’s just the right thing to do; it’s a broken community that’s half gone, and we’re capable of giving, so we give.”
The following businesses have pledged to donate $1,500 to the Canadian Red Cross:
Twin Motors
Northland Tire
A&W
Assante Wealth Management
Home Building Centre
Settarc Welding, including Mutschel Bros. Ltd. and Red’s Septic Service
Minute Muffler
Boss Auto
